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Lithium carbonate pre-treatment in 131-I therapy of hyperthyroidism
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Abstract
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examinations were performed in two groups of patients: in a control group with RAIU > 30% and in patients with RAIU < 30%. All groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, duration and type of disease (Graves’ disease, autonomous node, multinodular goitre). The control group was treated (without lithium) according to described protocol. The second group was pre-treated with lithium carbonate in a dose of 1.0 g/day for 6 days before radioiodine and 3 days thereafter.
RESULTS: A significant increase in iodide uptake in the thyroid gland was observed during intake of lithium carbonate in 106 out of 128 patients. A decrease of T3, FT3, T4, and FT4 levels and no significant changes in concentration of TSH were observed as an effect of lithium carbonate treatment. Three years of follow-up show that the results of radioiodine therapy with short lasting lithium carbonate intake are better in the first year and are similar in the second and third years in comparison to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Lithium pre-treatment in hyperthyroid patients with low baseline uptake of radioiodine can increase iodine retention in the thyroid gland independently of the primary disease and permits the use of lower doses of radiation in the therapy.
Nuclear Med Rev 2011; 14, 1: 3–8
Abstract
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examinations were performed in two groups of patients: in a control group with RAIU > 30% and in patients with RAIU < 30%. All groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, duration and type of disease (Graves’ disease, autonomous node, multinodular goitre). The control group was treated (without lithium) according to described protocol. The second group was pre-treated with lithium carbonate in a dose of 1.0 g/day for 6 days before radioiodine and 3 days thereafter.
RESULTS: A significant increase in iodide uptake in the thyroid gland was observed during intake of lithium carbonate in 106 out of 128 patients. A decrease of T3, FT3, T4, and FT4 levels and no significant changes in concentration of TSH were observed as an effect of lithium carbonate treatment. Three years of follow-up show that the results of radioiodine therapy with short lasting lithium carbonate intake are better in the first year and are similar in the second and third years in comparison to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Lithium pre-treatment in hyperthyroid patients with low baseline uptake of radioiodine can increase iodine retention in the thyroid gland independently of the primary disease and permits the use of lower doses of radiation in the therapy.
Nuclear Med Rev 2011; 14, 1: 3–8
Keywords
lithium carbonate; 131-Iodine; hyperthyroidism; Graves’ disease; multinodular goitre; autonomous tumour
Title
Lithium carbonate pre-treatment in 131-I therapy of hyperthyroidism
Journal
Issue
Article type
Research paper
Pages
3-8
Published online
2011-07-12
Page views
1920
Article views/downloads
2914
Bibliographic record
Nucl. Med. Rev 2011;14(1):3-8.
Keywords
lithium carbonate
131-Iodine
hyperthyroidism
Graves’ disease
multinodular goitre
autonomous tumour
Authors
Maria Teresa Płazińska
Leszek Królicki
Marianna Bąk